The 2013 Report informs that there has been a certain backsliding on a number of commitments covered by MDG 8 in the past year, and some progress in others. Official development assistance has fallen for a second year in a row and the multilateral trade negotiations remain at an impasse, but duty free access for exports from developing countries has improved. But while usage of information and communication technologies increases, the costs remain higher in developing countries and essential medicines remain insufficiently accessible. Thus, there are some signs that political momentum for advancing international development cooperation has weakened. However, some governments have consistently pursued their commitments despite domestic austerity policies.